Silent Night, Star-Lit Night (Second Chance at Star Inn)(20)

A team of big plows rumbled down the two-lane. Soon she and Jed would be able to leave and make their way the few hours north to Roslyn and Grandpa Joe.

The soft thump of a walker shifted her attention. G-G Jude came her way, intent. She tipped her chin up, listening, then smiled. “I wait each year to hear those bells from Saint Theodore’s. It’s like they sing to me, every Christmas. They’ve been ringing in the holidays in Heywood since I was a young girl, and folks around here know they can count on a few things. The good Lord’s blessing, Angel’s food, and the prettiest Christmas music ever rung from a steeple. It’s like magic, isn’t it?”

It was, kind of. Maybe because it was so unexpected? Mia wasn’t sure. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never heard one like this before. It’s . . .” Mia paused, thinking. “Inviting.”

“It is just that.” Peace calmed the old woman’s expression. She gazed out, over the town. “I lift mine eyes up to the hills,” she whispered, paraphrasing the old Psalm. Her hands gripped the handles of the walker until her knuckles strained white. “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.” She moved closer to the window, listening. A look of firmness deepened her aged features. “And maybe it’s time I remembered this a bit better, instead of moping around, waiting to die.”

“What?” Mia couldn’t have heard right. Could she?

“I forgot the bells.” Insistence toughened G-G’s tone. “I forgot to put things where they belong, in God’s hands. Mine might be feeble.” She raised her hands as evidence. “And my legs might not be in the best working order, but I’ve got my mind and I’m still breathing. Why have I been wasting time fretting on this and that instead of getting on with things, best I’m able?”

Mia shook her head, confused.

“Plain foolishness, that’s what.” The old woman squared her shoulders. “Shame on me for forgetting to make use of the time I have in the best way possible. I expect God himself is up there, shaking his head, wondering what I’ve been doing, letting things happen around me. Well, no more.”

“No?” Mia had walked into the shelter the day before and seen a worn old woman, weak and depressed.

G-G Jude had just undergone a transformation.

Her eyes looked brighter.

She raised her chin higher. And when she walked forward, the walker’s thump! held its own command. “I’ve got matters to tend to, and it’s about time I got to it. Now, Mia.” She turned at the doorway. “My hands don’t grip so well, but I’ve got a couple of letters to write, and if you’d be so kind as to write what I say it’s one thing I can check off the list.”

“Glad to.”

The shelter had held about twenty people during the height of the storm. Six of the men had left to help shovel the town. Five little kids lay sleeping on cots, and two older kids were playing cards at a table near the back doors. Mia pulled out a chair for Jude, then one for herself once she’d procured paper and a pen. “Let’s do this.”





Chapter Nine

“As of six A.M. tomorrow, all major Central Oregon roads will be deemed open and ready for safe travel. A detour on U.S. Route Ninety-Seven due to a pre-storm rock slide will continue to direct north-and south-bound traffic through Heywood, Oregon.”

Jed had no sooner read the phone alert when restored power brought the town back to life around him.

The gazebo blinked on with cascades of white lights surrounding the brightly lit Christmas tree within. Quaint town streetlights glowed above the decorated wreaths sporting big red bows. The smaller trees framing the town square lit up freshly shoveled sidewalks with twinkle-light cheer. And above the once again festive inn, the beckoning white star glowed softy, a beacon in the night.

“A winter wonderland.”

Mia.

He swung around, smiling. “A greeting card setting, for sure.” He held up his phone. “The county commissioner has said all roads will be open first thing in the morning. We can head home then.”

Her gaze faltered when he said the word “home,” but Roslyn was home. A great, quirky, delightful town, filled with all kinds of people, even though he understood her hesitation.

She didn’t have the Taylor family surrounding her with love. Even snarky Uncle Pete didn’t hold a candle to Mia’s selfish father.

But what if she had Taylor love surrounding her? Would she be so ready to leave? She’s searching for a place, for her place in the world. So are you.

The mental reminder made a good point. He wasn’t searching geographically. He loved his hometown, the ranch, and the business, but he was bone-tired of Uncle Pete’s chronic bad humor.

“If we leave first thing, I’ll get to see Grandpa by mid-day.”

“Any word from him?”

She made a sour face that was actually kind of cute. “None other than my father is anxiously awaiting my arrival to divide the spoils.”

“Mia.” Jed looped an arm around her shoulders and began walking her back to the inn. “The guy has no idea what a treasure God gave him when he sent you, but Grandpa Joe knows. So does Auntie P. Two out of three isn’t bad.”

“The rule book says parents are supposed to love their children.”